Finnish 'man-child' center Sebastian Repo to transition to North America this season

Taimy Alvarez / Sun Sentinel

Florida Panthers red team center Sebastian Repo pushes blue team center Jacob Friend against the wall during a scrimmage on last day of developmental camp at Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs Friday morning. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel

Already armed with Aleksander Barkov (6 foot 3 and 213 pounds) and Henrik Borgström (6 foot 3 and 185 pounds), the Panthers will welcome Sebastian Repo to North America, likely with AHL affiliate Springfield this season. Repo was a sixth-round pick last year by the Panthers, but has spent the last four seasons playing professionally in Finland’s Liiga.

Last season, Repo played for Tappara Tampere (Barkov’s former team) and posted 14 goals and 12 assists in 50 games. He also had seven points in 15 playoff games. In 65 total games last season, Repo accumulated 109 penalty minutes.

Repo was listed at 189 pounds on the development camp roster, but said he was up to 215 pounds on his 6-foot-3 frame. Panthers director of player personnel Bryan McCabe called Repo “a beast.”

“He’s a man-child,” McCabe said. “He’s a pro already. He’s played pro in [Finland]. He’s obviously got the strength to compete at this level. We’re really excited that he’s free and clear to come over and start his NHL journey this season. Power forward, goes to the hard areas, heavy shot, willing to get in the muck.”

Repo will add to a growing list of centers in the Panthers system. Barkov, Borgström, Vincent Trocheck, Jared McCann and Derek MacKenzie are expected to be on the NHL roster this fall. Denis Malgin could be. The team shifted Nick Bjugstad to wing because of the depth down the middle.

Florida tendered a qualifying offer to AHL center Curtis Valk. Jonathan Ang played center in the Ontario Hockey League and will make the jump to the AHL. And now Repo, who will also have to adjust to the skinnier North American playing surface.

“I really like the smaller rink and I feel like I have a lot of things to bring to the table,” Repo said. “I’m a big guy and a strong guy, so I’m excited about it.”